Do Good Foods Are on a Mission to Solve Livestock Emissions
The mission of a company called Do Good Foods is to address environmental issues, done so by making use of food that would otherwise go to waste. Justin and Matt Kamine, who are both brothers and co-founders, grew up on a farm in New Jersey. They acquired the knowledge and value of repurposing food leftovers after giving them to their animals when growing up.
That inspiration has been transformed into a company that retrieves unsold food from supermarkets and repurposes it as chicken feed. This blog will take a closer look at Do Good Foods and their vision for a better food system.
In 2021, Do Good Foods was launched with a $169 million (£134 million) investment from asset management firm Nuveen. The company has one processing facility located in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania. Additionally, they have two more processing facilities currently being constructed in Fort Wayne, Indiana and Selma, North Carolina. By expanding their operations and reaching more customers, the Kamines aim to demonstrate to the world that their food system can solve environmental issues.
Do Good Foods uses a simple but innovative process to make their chicken feed. They collect leftover food items, such as fruit and bagels, from grocery stores, and afterwards, they mix in common animal feed ingredients, such as corn and soybeans. Through this action, they can decrease waste and establish a food system that is more sustainable. The brothers prioritise human consumption as the best use of food, but see that giving food to animals as the second-best option.
The goal of Do Good Foods is to alter how people view food waste. According to them, waste is something created by humans and they think that all food should be utilised to provide sustenance for both people and animals. They aim to demonstrate that repurposing food waste can have a positive impact and contribute towards a more sustainable future. The impact of their model on reducing food waste could be substantial and potentially contribute to solving several critical environmental issues around the world.
In 2022, the company introduced its initial product, called “carbon-reduced” Do Good Chicken, at specific stores located in the regions of Philadelphia and New York City. In December of last year, it was announced that there are plans to launch Do Good Eggs with Michael Foods, a subsidiary of Post Holdings, at various food service locations. Roughly one pound of carbon emissions can be prevented from entering the atmosphere by using the eggs. In April, the company announced that they have diverted around 27 million pounds of food waste so far and saved 3,100 metric tons of carbon dioxide.
Food companies are also using packaging as a means to inform consumers about the advantages of upcycling. Each Do Good Chicken product has an equation on the back that explains how it helps to save four pounds of surplus grocery food and three pounds of emissions. The Kamines stated that their current focus is on producing eggs and chicken, however, they may consider adding other products, like beef, to their Do Good portfolio in the future.
The brothers are also considering expanding their business operations to make them nationwide. Their belief is that other companies can replicate their model, leading to a domino effect that can significantly reduce food waste on a larger scale. To effectively solve environmental issues, it’s crucial that everyone works together. The Kamine brothers have taken the initiative, but they require the support of all to make a noticeable difference.
In conclusion, the efforts of Do Good Foods are important for establishing a sustainable food system. They are reducing waste and promoting environmental sustainability by using food waste to create food for their chickens. The Kamines have an inspiring vision for a better food system, and everyone should be encouraged to support and follow their efforts. If all work together towards a shared goal, it can have a major impact on building a more sustainable and improved future.
News Credits: Behind Do Good Foods’ mission to lower livestock emissions through upcycling
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